If you are being abused by your partner, you may feel confused, afraid, angry and/or trapped. You may also blame yourself for what is happening.

All of these emotions are normal responses to abuse. But no matter what others might say, you are never responsible for your partner’s abusive actions. Domestic violence and dating violence are not caused by alcohol or drugs, stress, anger management or provocation. Abuse is a personal choice.

Whatever the circumstances, no one ever deserves to be abused.

If you are unsure whether you are being abused, visit our Get Help page to learn more about abusive behaviors or read our blog on abusive red flags to watch for. It’s not always easy to tell if a relationship is unhealthy or abusive.

If you feel unsafe in your relationship and are concerned for your safety, please call 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483). Advocates are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST, seven days a week. We are here to listen.

A special thank you to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSA) for providing immense support for the development of the StrongHearts Native Helpline. This project described was supported by Grant Number 90EV0426 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Special thanks to Verizon, the first corporate partner to invest in the creation of StrongHearts Native Helpline.